"I thought about it, and I was like, 'That would be kind of nice,'" said Jones, the true freshman safety out of Oaks Christian. At the same time, "I just wanted to get on the field," he said.

Jones and Tupou entered Saturday night's game against Washington State on the final drive. It was their first action as Trojans, and it signaled that 2007 cannot be a year for them solely to learn. They will lose a year of eligibility, so expect coaches to find a way for them to contribute.

"I was excited when they called me," said Tupou, the defensive tackle out of Sacramento's Grant High. "The previous three games, I was just thinking, 'If they want to redshirt me, I don't really care.' I just want to be that player where, if you need me, I'll be there."

Neither freshman entered the Coliseum expecting to play. Tupou had been commended for a great week of practice, but that was all. Jones had received a stronger indication, through a changing workload.